Saudi air defences destroy missile aimed at Riyadh

Saudi air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile headed toward Riyadh on Saturday morning, while coalition forces also shot down a drone in the Eastern Region, military officials announced. Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, issued separate statements confirming the interceptions.

He attributed the missile launch to Yemen's Houthi movement, which has increased cross-border attacks against Saudi territory during October. An early-warning system in Riyadh alerted residents to the potential threat, and two explosions were heard in the capital during the early hours. The precise location where the missile was intercepted or any damage caused by falling debris was not disclosed.

The drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region, a strategically important area with major oil installations and the city of Dammam. The two interceptions come after a series of similar incidents this week, with coalition defences destroying ballistic missiles and drones in Riyadh, Khamis Mushait, and the southern region.

Saudi air defenses have been under sustained pressure due to the ongoing attacks on the capital, airports, and energy infrastructure. The Houthi movement, which controls Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen, claims its attacks are in response to Saudi military operations. However, the coalition and Houthi representatives have conflicting accounts of the intended targets.

The coalition has accused Iran of encouraging the Houthi escalation, while Iran denies involvement. The incidents have raised concerns about the risks to transport networks and energy operations, with Saudi authorities investigating past attacks that targeted King Khalid International Airport, killing 13 people and injuring over 300.